Hard Rock International Announces Opening of Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe in Penang

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:01am EDT

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International and Hotel
Properties Limited (HPL) are proud to announce the opening of the newest
members of the Hard Rock family: Hard Rock Hotel Penang and Hard Rock Cafe
Penang.  Located in Malaysia, within one of Asia's most popular island
destinations, Hard Rock is infusing new excitement and energy into the market,
underscoring the brand's strategy to accelerate expansion worldwide.

"We plan to continue our Asian expansion of the Hard Rock brand with unique,
new properties - including urban hotel and destination resorts and cafes,"
commented Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International.  "We have
a long-standing and successful partnership with HPL Hotels & Resorts through
the Hard Rock Hotel properties in Bali and Pattaya and we are excited to open
our third Asian property with them here in Penang."

Hard Rock Hotel Penang is situated on five acres along the famous beaches of
Batu Ferringhi, on the northern coast of Penang.  The six-story Hard Rock
Hotel Penang recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation bringing
together superb service, unparalleled amenities and well-appointed
accommodations with a rock 'n' roll edge. The renovation added additional
rooms and suites, a full-service luxury spa and the highly anticipated Hard
Rock Cafe Penang.

The newest hotel in the Hard Rock portfolio holds 233 rooms and 17 suites. 
All Hillview Deluxe standard guest rooms have 312 square-feet of living space,
while the Seaview Studio Suites expand to 570 square-feet. Most of the guest
rooms offer stunning beach views, and the ground floor rooms facing the
swimming pool feature spectacular private swim-up patios with wood trellis
covers.  Hard Rock Hotel Penang boasts the only club floor in Batu Ferringhi,
known as "Kings Club," located on the top floor of the property. The Kings
Club offers a private lounge with stunning sea views and personalized
concierge service.

Bringing one of Hard Rock Hotel's trademark experiences to Malaysia, the hotel
introduces an oversized free-form pool -- the largest swimming pool in Penang
-- totaling 26,000 square feet, equipped with sand islands and lush poolside
cabanas.  The resort also offers a main ballroom and three function rooms for
a total of 6,650 square-feet for private events, weddings, meetings, and
exhibitions.  

"Penang has eagerly anticipated the entry of an energetic and adventurous
hotel brand such as Hard Rock, and we're thrilled to say that it is now a
reality" says Stephen Lau, Chairman of HPL Hotels & Resorts.  "Our company's
projected growth strategy is to continue to open more resorts and hotels in
key Asia-Pacific cities that, in partnership with like-minded associates, will
assure our guests a satisfying level of comfort backed by personalized
service. Hard Rock Hotel Penang could not be more perfect."

The opening of Hard Rock Hotel Penang includes the famous Hard Rock Cafe
Penang.  Sure to contend as one of the city's premier dining and entertainment
destinations, the 3,175 square-feet cafe features a 140-seat restaurant, live
concert venue and a Rock Shop complete with Hard Rock's limited-edition
merchandise. The cafe will be adorned with pieces from Hard Rock's
world-famous memorabilia collection, including items representing both
contemporary stars and rock legends, such as Keith Richards, Stevie Nicks,
Madonna and many more.  Additional key memorabilia items on display include a
grey felt Fedora hat worn by Prince when all live tracks for his smash hit
"Purple Rain" were recorded, custom-made leather pants and Cruefest t-shirt
worn by Vince Neil of Motley Crue on the "Cruefest" Tour, and an outfit by
"Junker Designs" worn by Rob Nicholson of Rob Zombie fame during the 2005
OZZFEST Tour.

For more than 38 years, Hard Rock Cafe has offered guests classic American
fare in a rock 'n' roll atmosphere.  Hard Rock Cafe Penang features a hardwood
smoker, which uses the very best Hickory wood chips to slowly cook Hard Rock's
classic ribs and chicken to perfection.  Hard Rock's Legendary Experience menu
is just that - legendary - offering six different mouth-watering Legendary
Burgers made from Certified Angus Beef.   In addition to its food, Hard Rock
offers unmatched specialty drinks from its award-winning bar menu, from
Hurricanes and Margaritas, to its Alternative Rock non-alcoholic beverage menu
featuring favorites like Wildberry Smoothies and Crushed Velvet "martinis."

The Rock Shop offers an exclusive line of rock inspired items, including Hard
Rock's famous Classic and City T-shirts, as well as highly coveted accessories
and pins, which reflect the spirit of the city and the authenticity of Hard
Rock's merchandise.  Hard Rock Cafe Penang's limited-edition and city-specific
merchandise is now available on-site.

"The Seminole Tribe of Florida is thrilled about the Hard Rock development in
Southeast Asia," notes Max Osceola Jr., Member of the Seminole Tribal Council,
"It's a testament to the brand that we have such incredible strategic partners
and ample opportunity for global growth in such interesting locations."

About Hard Rock International 
With a total of 157 venues in 52 countries, including 128 cafes and 11
Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally
recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the
world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its
locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible
fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and
an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock
Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are
located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Tulsa, Pattaya,
Bali and Macau.  Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in
Penang, scheduled to open in 2009; Singapore in 2010; Palm Springs, Atlanta
and Panama, scheduled to open in 2011; Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled
to open in 2012.  Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock
Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit
www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit
www.hardrock.com.  


SOURCE  Hard Rock International

Rachel Harrison, Dan Klores Communications, +1-212-981-5278,
Rachel_harrison@dkcnews.com
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